Term Assistant Professorof Philosophy

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University’s Department of Philosophy seeks a Term Assistant Professor of Philosophy for Spring 2027. The role focuses on political philosophy, philosophy of law, and introductory logic, teaching a 4-course semester load to majors and non-majors.

The position is eligible for multi-year contracts and a full benefits package. Teaching responsibilities include introductory logic and regular contributions to undergraduate philosophy of law; potential to contribute to related programs

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a related field.
• Evidence of teaching experience with a commitment to diversity in the classroom.
• Knowledge of philosophical theories, methods, and scholarly research demonstrated through completion of a doctoral degree in Philosophy or a related field and the successful defense of a dissertation (or equivalent) by the time of appointment.
• Ability to provide high‑quality instruction in political philosophy and introductory logic at the undergraduate level.

Responsibilities

• Teach a standard course load of 12 credits (4 courses) per semester.
• Engage in service at the department level or beyond.

Skills

Teaching experience

Philosophy of law

Introductory logic

Political philosophy

Education

Doctoral degree in Philosophy or related field

Job description

About the Department

The Department of Philosophy at George Mason University is a pluralistic program that offers courses and produces scholarly research and public philosophy drawing on diverse philosophical approaches and traditions, including continental, Anglo-American, and applied philosophy, with a focus on social, ethical, and political thought. The program offers a Master’s degree, a major, and multiple minors including Philosophy of Law, Ethics and AI, and Philosophy for Social Change. Our mission is to put philosophy to work to address key contemporary issues and enduring philosophical questions, to foster critically engaged citizens, and to enable students and faculty to engage with pressing matters of global and public concern. The Department is home to the Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy, the oldest applied ethics program in the United States, and a regional leader in producing normatively focused policies for various public and non‑governmental policy institutions.

About the Position

The Term Assistant Professor of Philosophy is a dynamic scholar committed to teaching excellence in political philosophy, with competence in philosophy of law and logic. The position will teach courses taken by majors and non‑majors at a variety of levels, including pre‑law, criminology, psychology, economics, and computer science students. Courses taught may include philosophy of law and political philosophy, with preference given to candidates able to contribute regularly to undergraduate teaching in philosophy of law. The position also includes regular teaching in introductory logic, with opportunities to contribute to intermediate courses. These courses are integrated in Mason’s Philosophy, Politics and Economics Program, Philosophy and Law Program, as well as the Department’s new Logic Program. The teaching load is 4 courses per semester. The position will begin in the Spring 2027 term. The initial 9‑month contract will span the Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 terms, with the possibility of renewal contingent on satisfactory performance and departmental and program needs. The position also includes possibilities for promotion and multi‑year contracts as well as a full range of benefits.

Responsibilities

• Teach a standard course load of 12 credits (4 courses) per semester.
• Engage in service at the department level or beyond.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a related field.
• Evidence of teaching experience with a commitment to diversity in the classroom.
• Knowledge of philosophical theories, methods, and scholarly research demonstrated through completion of a doctoral degree in Philosophy or a related field and the successful defense of a dissertation (or equivalent) by the time of appointment.
• Ability to provide high‑quality instruction in political philosophy and introductory logic at the undergraduate level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a related field.
• Evidence of experience teaching multiple modalities to non‑majors at a variety of levels.
• Ability to teach intermediate or advanced courses in logic and courses in philosophy of law.
• Ability to teach courses in the Philosophy Department’s Philosophy and Law Concentration, Philosophy and Law Minor, and Ethics and AI minor, through teaching or related experience in law, technology, and applied ethics.
• Ability to teach in multiple modalities to non‑majors at a variety of levels.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.